Could someone tell me at what altitudes the bombers in different theatres performed their missions at. For example; What altitude did B-17's & B-24's typically bomb from in Europe? What altitude did the Germans typically bomb from in the BoB? What about British night bombing? What about in Italy/Africa, as it seems like they flew lower there? What about the Pacific?

I know there were alot of variations but any info would be appreciated.

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"Ice Warriors" by Nicolas Trudgian

kyrule2

12-23-2003, 05:55 PM

Could someone tell me at what altitudes the bombers in different theatres performed their missions at. For example; What altitude did B-17's & B-24's typically bomb from in Europe? What altitude did the Germans typically bomb from in the BoB? What about British night bombing? What about in Italy/Africa, as it seems like they flew lower there? What about the Pacific?

I know there were alot of variations but any info would be appreciated.

http://www.brooksart.com/Icewarriors.jpg

"Ice Warriors" by Nicolas Trudgian

AusDerReihe

12-23-2003, 06:09 PM

not sure it's THAT stupid.

AFAIK the altitude depended on several factors;
-visibility/clouds
-probability of encounter with enemy aircraft
-size of target (increased altitude=less acurate)
-presence of AA

probably more, but the only knowledge i have of this is from a book about '617 Dambusters' which i read a long time ago.

i would like a general overview myself, for use in the FMB.

AusDerReihe

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Future-

12-23-2003, 06:24 PM

Some time ago in smoe other posting here, I learned that the B-17s operated at about 24000 feet, that's about 8000 meters.

The huge variation in USAAF altitudes was very much dependant on mission role and target. Precision tactical raids in direct support of ground troops would be low for precision. The less AAA and fighter opposition they expected, the lower they'd be. This sort of mission was common over northern France in the period immediately after D-day.

Deep penetration raids over German heartlands would be at the highest altitude permitted by load and fuel levels, with perhaps a brief foray to a lower altitude for the actual bomb run when more accuracy was a high priority.

Thanks for the replies guys, good stuff. Keep them coming if you have any info. I need to know as my 190 falls off above 20,000 feet. http://ubbxforums.ubi.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Anyone know about Italy/Africa? It seems like they flew much lower there according to some accounts I have read. Maybe because of the extensive use of medium bombers there? Maybe environmental conditions like dust?